Q: Who has the right of way when a vehicle is merging onto a freeway from an entrance ramp?

A: When a vehicle is merging onto the freeway, that driver must yield the right of way to vehicles already traveling on the freeway. MCL 257.649(7) states: A driver entering a roadway from a roadway that is intended for and constructed as a merging roadway, and is plainly marked at the intersection with the appropriate merge signs, shall yield the right-of-way to traffic upon the roadway that is so close as to constitute an immediate hazard and shall adjust their speed to enable them to merge safely with through traffic.

It always has been a courtesy to allow others to safely merge on, by adjusting your speed or moving over a lane if possible. It also should be noted that traffic on the freeway cannot intentionally block a driver from merging by either speeding up or slowing down.

Q: At what distance is a vehicle considered to be tailgating?

A: We’ve all had aggressive drivers come flying up behind us and “ride our bumper.” This is dangerous and is considered “Following Too Closely.” But MCL 257.643 does not give a specific minimum distance you must stay back from another vehicle when traveling behind it on a roadway. The statute only states: “The driver of a motor vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard for the speed of the vehicles and the traffic upon, and the condition of the highway.” The Michigan Secretary of State recommends a following distance of 3 or 4 seconds. While the law is subjective, I think we all know tailgating when we see it.

The law is specific for commercial vehicles weighing more than 5,000 pounds. It states that trucks traveling outside of a city of village limits must remain 500 feet behind another truck, except when they are passing.

The key point to remember is to always “maintain the assured clear distance” between you and the vehicle you’re following, and be able to safely come to a sudden stop if necessary. In most rear-end crashes, the vehicle traveling behind is usually found at fault. Violation of this statute is a civil infraction.

— Questions can be sent to Trooper Derrick White at the Michigan State Police, Jackson post, 3401 Cooper St., Jackson, MI 49201, or jacksontrooper@gmail.com.